Customer Reviews

In the Presence

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

On both of Daniel Rodriguez's previous CD's, he has included a song of faith such as "The Lord's Prayer" or "I'll Walk With God." This time around, he devotes his entire "In the Presence" CD to the spiritual side of life. While God might be the central theme, Rodriguez uses a variety of styles and techniques to show his faith, and there are many standouts.

"Joyful Joyful" (aka "Ode to Joy") is an all-out wind sprint from first note to the last. To make it all the way through without gasping for breath at this tempo is athletic indeed. Plus he manages to finish on a very strong note as well.

At first thought Irish pop tune "Bright Blue Rose" seems a bit out of a place on an inspirational CD, but Rodriguez's soothing higher register gives it a very earthy feel.

Although it's from the movie "East of Eden," " An American Hymn" has not been overdone to death like many songs. Rodriguez's mentor Placido Domingo recorded it on his 1981 "Perhaps Love" album. While beautiful, Domingo's diction made the lyrics hard to understand. Rodriguez's rendition makes the lyrics of American beauty and faith ring like a champagne glass.

"Amazing Grace" has a most unusual arrangement, one of the late Johnnie Carl's last works. Beginning acapella (as Rodriguez sang it at the Republican National Convention last summer) the music eventually slides into "Bolero."

But he absolutely saved the best for last, with another Carl arrangement, "How Great Thou Art." Like "Joyful, Joyful" this is pure power from beginning to end. Originally sung at the Crystal Cathedral a few years back, certainly the rafters are still shaking.

If you enjoyed either of the first two CD's, or spiritual music in general, you'll enjoy this one.

The man pours his heart and soul into twelve soaring songs of inspiration and I am the one left breathless and with a lump in my throat. This album is a blessing. One may as well call "An American Hymn" Daniel Rodriguez's Hymn. The lyrics say it all about this man, the true American tenor, who has traveled through America and beyond sharing his gift. He is truly at home on stage.

"I've seen the silver mountain tops
And golden prairies on my way
Now everywhere I go across the land
I stand so proudly in the sun and say
I am home

I've dreamed of eden all my life
I find it more and more each day
Now everywhere I go across the land
I stand so proudly in the sun and say
I am home "

I have dreamt of a musical eden all my life and I have found it in Daniel Rodriguez.

A stunning, uplifting, inspiring experience. Rodriguez has extraordinary gifts and has chosen glorious songs. I bought three copies of the CD.

Daniel Rodriguez is a welcome addition to the world of opera singing. He's got a great voice and sings really well -- and while I think he could use some more work on enunciating English words, he's definitely more understandable than his colleagues in this genre. I particularly love his version of 'The Water is Wide' and 'Pie Jesu,' the latter song performed as a duet with Miss Saigon star Lea Salonga ("WOW!" is all I can say about her performance). Other notable numbers are An American Hymn (that hauntingly beautiful song from the movie East of Eden) 'How Great Thou Art,' and his other duet with Ms. Salonga, 'Panis Angelicus.'

I intend to buy more copies and give them as gifts to friends.

The music of Daniel Rodriguez on his CD "In The Presence" is so moving and inspirational that I listen to it all the time -- at home and in my car. His voice sends chills through me and he seems to have made peace with 9/ll through his music. Thanks, Daniel for giving us hope.

This is probably my favorite album thus far. His vocal skills have continued to improve. His fine tenor voice and heartfelt emotion make a stirring combination. The two duets with Lea Salonga are outstanding. Full of beautiful music!

I loved the choices of the songs on CD. They have been beautifully interpreted by Mr. Rodriguez. He breaths new life to these songs. I recommend this wonderful CD.

You can't go wrong with any CD from Daniel Rodriguez. He simply has a magnificent voice.

I received this as a gift two weeks ago and I haven't grown tired of it despite having played it so many times. My favorite tracks are "An American Hymn" and "The Water is Wide," plus his duets with Broadway star Lea Salonga (who's a revelation for me in this kind of singing). Everything is good on this CD -- I recommend it!

The first time I heard Daniel Rodriguez sing, was at all those funeral services after 9/11.
This New York police officer has a beautiful voice. This is his third album. "In The Presence" I love the song An American Hymm.The other songs are good too. Give it a try you will love it.